Save to Pinterest A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal with a spicy kick.
I made this dish on a hectic Tuesday evening and was amazed at how the kick of Cajun spice blended perfectly with the creamy sauce and cheesy tortellini, making everyone at the table ask for seconds.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cheese tortellini: 500 g (18 oz) refrigerated
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Red bell pepper: 1 small, diced
- Yellow onion: 1 small, diced
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Cajun seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional Parmesan: Extra grated for serving
Instructions
- Cook tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make sauce:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add cheese:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Heat through:
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save to Pinterest This meal became an instant family favorite, and my kids now request it whenever they want something creamy with a little spicy flair.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat, milk, and eggs. Always verify tortellini packaging for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 620 calories, 29 g fat, 53 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This bright and lively pasta is sure to wow everyone at your table. Enjoy every flavorful bite and don&t forget extra Parmesan!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can shrimp be used instead of chicken?
Yes, substitute peeled and deveined shrimp for chicken. Sauté briefly until pink, then follow remaining steps as directed.
- → How spicy is the Cajun sauce?
The Cajun seasoning adds a gentle heat. Adjust with extra red pepper flakes or cayenne for more spice, or reduce for milder flavor.
- → Can this be made ahead?
Prepare components in advance and assemble just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor. Store sauce and pasta separately if not served immediately.
- → What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and spices nicely.
- → Is it possible to make it vegetarian?
Omit chicken and add more vegetables, or use plant-based protein alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.